Château Chasse-Spleen
History of the estate
The story ofChâteau Chasse-Spleenbegins in 1760 under the ownership of Mr.GressierHe was the one who had the beautiful Carthusian monastery (a long, low building) built in the middle of his estate.Grand-PoujeauxIn 1822, a series of marriages and inheritances split the estate in two:Gressier-Grand-PoujeauxAndGrand-Poujeaux CastaingAfter the death of Jean-Jacques Castaing, his wifeRosa Ferrièretook over the management of the estate. To distinguish it from its "twin," she renamed the castleChase-away-spleenSubsequently, the property was sold to a family of German merchants who increased its renown. The war dispossessed them and theLaharyThey took over the estate. This family of foresters from the Landes region transformed it extensively. In particular, they bought back plots of land and invested in the first underground wine cellar in the Médoc. In 1976,Jacques Merlautacquires the domain ofChase-away-spleenand it was his daughter Bernadette and then his granddaughterCeline Villarswho take over its management. In 2003, the Merlaut-Villars family finally buy back theGressier-Grand-Poujeaux Castleand bring the story of the estate to a close.
Terroir & Wines
Moulis-en-Médoc
In the heart of the smallest appellation in the Médoc,Moulis-en-Médoc, the Château Chasse-Spleen is located at the top of the hills of the locality known asGrand-PoujeauxThe vineyard, not far from the Garonne River, benefits from exceptional terroir. In addition to the climate and water availability, the vines find their water in the subsoil of clay and limestone. It is this Médoc terroir, which encourages the vines to persevere, that gives the grapes their concentrated juices. After nature comes cultivation. In addition to practicing sustainable viticulture,Château Chasse-Spleenis HVE certifiedHigh Environmental ValueThis certification attests to the farm's sound environmental and health practices. These practices include a commitment to biodiversity, the production and use of renewable energy, and the adoption of circular economy principles. It is under these exceptional conditions that the products are produced.Chasse-Spleen winesIn addition to the great wineChâteau Chasse-SpleenThe estate also produces two second wines:The Legacy of Chasse Spleen(formerly Hermitage of Chasse-Spleen) andThe Oratory of Spleen Hunt.
Hunting, Spleen and Art
When the low, heavy sky weighs like a lid
The origin of the nameChase-away-spleenIts origins remain mysterious. Two anecdotes dating back to the 1860s are attributed to it. Some say that this magical name came from discussions between the lady of the house,Rosa Ferrièreand his neighborOdilon RedonThe latter was a symbolist painter and had explored Baudelairean spleen by illustrating Les Fleurs du Mal. The other hypothesis featuresLord Byron, a British poet, who is said to have remarked during his visit to the château: "This wine is unparalleled in chasing away dark thoughts." This love for beautiful verse is still found on every bottle today. Indeed, what makes the wines so unique...Chase-away-spleenis that each vintage is adorned with a quote at the top of its label. Finally, through its "Art Center," which offers temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, it can be said that art in general continues to leave its mark on theChâteau Chasse-Spleen.
